Saturday, March 24, 2012

The President of Somaliland Republic at the London Conference: A TRUE DEMOCRAT SURROUNDED BY EATS-AFRICAN AUTOCRATS!

''President Ahmed Silanyo: The epitome and the embodiment of the youngest and well-functioning Eats-African democracy''. Hussein

1. The leader of East-Africa’s Beacon of Peace and Democracy

In retrospect to the London Conference of last month, one of the most inevitable outcomes of the London Conference was the special status attributed to the delegation from Somaliland Republic, as an internationally recognised country in the midst of the global community. The way in which President Ahmed Silanyo and his delegation prepared, lobbied and presented the Somaliland’s case was an ultimate testimony to the character, nature and quality of Somaliland’s people, compared with their brotherly populations in the neighbouring countries in the region.

During the London Conference the President of Somaliland Republic represented the epitome and character of the youngest and well-functioning East-African democracy. In a well-organised, thoughtful, solid and sound speech spoke President Ahmed Silanyo to more than 54 Head of States and other dignitaries from all over the world, and he made it clear that his country is the embodiment of democracy, perseverance and broadmindedness, freedom of expression, fight for freedom, culture of concession and tolerance in the Horn of Africa.

Also the knowledge, skills, far-reaching diplomatic vision and ultimate capabilities manifested by Somaliland’s top delegation at the London Conference was extremely admirable. Indeed, Somaliland Republic has proven once again that it’s the Africa’s Best Kept Secret. Somaliland Republic was clearly the winner and the most privileged participant at the London Conference!

Unlike his African colleagues from the region at the London Conference (leaders of Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda) President Ahmed Silanyo was the one and only President who is democratically, freely and fairly elected by his own people. The African leaders from the neighbouring countries of Somaliland, all without any exception, are absolute autocrats who came to the power on obscure and undemocratic ways. They were representing countries where human rights are systematically violated, countries where the rule of law, freedom of speech and democratic standards are neglected.

With frustration, envy and suspicion welling up among the East-African dictators at the London Conference, with astonishment and disbelief they looked at the unprecedented status that has been attributed to Somaliland’s delegation: as an internationally recognised country in the midst of the global community. This was the final drain and deathblow of Somaliland’s multicoloured opponents. However, it was entirely understandable that the East-African dictators were very nervous about the presence of the President of Somaliland Republic, the leader of the youngest yet unrecognised Horn of African Beacon of Democracy. In fact, they would have done everything to prevent that President Ahmed Silanyo should have been invited to the conference, if they were at least able to do so.

From the first outset, the African absolute rulers in the region and elsewhere have never welcomed Somaliland’s case and looked it with a deep-rooted envy and jealousy. During the London Conference they started worrying when they observed the President of Somaliland Republic sitting in the midst of more than 54 Head of States and other dignitaries from all over the world. In fact, they are convinced that the recognition of Somaliland Republic by international community would present an imminent danger and treat to their dictatorial rules.

Perhaps fuelled by the recent Arab Awakening and the subsequent fall of Arab dictators, the African dictators across the continent believe that Somaliland Republic will be the Pandora’s-Box of democracy towards Africa which may explode and spread at any time. The African absolute rulers from the region and elsewhere are apparently very concerned about the fact that a formal recognition of Somaliland Republic would trigger a chain-reaction and a flurry of African Democratic Awakening across the African continent. This would definitely lead to the beginning of a new era; a comprehensive disintegration and dismantling of African dictatorial rulers, with all its consequences.

The attendance of the President of Somaliland Republic at the London Conference presented a moral dilemma with mixed sentiments, for African countries as well as for Western countries: For African leaders Somaliland’s presence at the London Conference meant a real confrontation between good and evil, a clash between democratic values and dictatorship and authoritarian rulers. Somaliland Republic defends and embraces universal democratic values, while all other East-African leaders at the conference have never recognized and /or respected the democratic standards, freedom of speech and human rights.

For the Western countries, the leaders of the free world, note-bene, the so-called custodians and bearers of the global democratic values the attendance of the President of Somaliland Republic at the London Conference presented a genuine moral challenge in relation to the values and norms the Western world stands for. Somaliland should have long been recognised as a member of international community, at least it had deserved to be regarded as de facto independent nation. Somaliland has already met all the criteria and requirements that were necessary to qualify as a separate country. Unfortunately, the Western countries have systematically neglected and ignored the rights of self-determination for Somaliland people.

However, the Somaliland’s case is a quite clear example of the ambivalent morality of the Western Super powers and how they always pursued double standard policy: saying one thing but doing something completely different. Democracy, good governance, free market and respect for human rights are fully embraced by the West as long as this serves for their political and economic interests. If this is not the case, democracy and other international standards suddenly become considered to be hazardous and the West looks to the other end.

3. Conclusion:

I am very proud to say that Somaliland’s democracy model is a promising and an encouraging sign for all African states, which could lead that Africa makes overtures to the right direction. Where once a reasonably democratic election in Africa might have been hailed as a curiosity destined to end up in conflict or coups Somaliland Republic has incontestably proved that such pessimism seems misplaced because Somaliland’s democracy project is a home grown phenomenon. It is unprecedented civic initiatives and a new indigenous breed of democracy. Somaliland’s democracy is something growing from native grassroots rather than being imposed from outside or being realised by the gun.

The London Conference has clearly confirmed that Somaliland is not part of Somalia or of TFG in one hand. On the other hand, the long-cherished unrealistic and bemused fantasies about the sacred Somali unity, indivisible and greater Somalia has come therefore to the end. On 23.02.2012, what use to call Somali Democratic Republic ended to exist internationally. The triumphant participant of the London Conference was Somaliland Republic. Over the next three years, Somaliland will receive directly from UK about £105 million for promoting prosperity, tackling poverty and consolidating progress on stability and democracy.